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    University of California-Santa Cruz

    Materials Science and Engineering MS

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Cruz, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $64,734.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    45
    Credits
    $150.00
    App fee

    Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is a 45-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Santa Cruz, US. Tuition is $64,734 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program develops laboratory, computational, and analytical theory skills for fields like semiconductor materials, device processing, computer simulation, cryogenics, x-ray scattering, electronic, magnetic, photonic measurements, and bioelectronics. It offers Plan I with thesis research and Plan II with comprehensive exam, covering areas including quantum and thermodynamic foundations, condensed matter structure, characterization techniques, functional materials, and synthesis and processing.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Minimum varies by program; for most STEM ~89 total (pre-2026); check program-specific (e.g., 4.5 Writing for some sciences)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.0 overall

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (up to 36 months with STEM extension)

    $26,202.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is $64,734 across 45 required credits.
    Is Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz online or in-person?
    Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is offered in-person.
    How long does Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz take to complete?
    Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is structured around 2 years and 45 credits.
    Is Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz?
    Post-completion work rights for Materials Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz: 12 months OPT (up to 36 months with STEM extension)